Somme/Silk Road

Christchurch photorealist painter David Woodings – through his embroidery styled painted silk cards, based on those crafted by women in France and Belgium during the First World War – traces the changing relationship with family by an unnamed soldier fighting on the Somme in 1916.

Paintings of imaginary and real cards forwarded to his father, mother, sister and girlfriend illustrate place, time and sentiment during one of the First World War's bloodiest battles.

Dedicated to his grandfathers who both fought and were wounded on the Somme, the works are an intimate recording of messages received at distance from the front, and a poignant reminder of relationships strained by the nature of the messages.